The Freelance Hustle

This week, I chat with the amazing web developer, Corielle Laaspere, about the important tips when it comes to your business' website. Because having a good website is HUGE to growing your biz! You'll instantly understand why I love and trust Corielle so much. She truly has gotten my website to where I want it to be and could never imagine. Her expertise is exactly why outsourcing the crucial things for your business (like your website) is the way. Because being a business owner doesn't mean you should know how to make a killer website! Listen in as we talk about how to optimize your website, make yourself discoverable and credible, what's up with keywords and finding the right person you can trust with the face of your brand.   

I want to hear your questions, comments! Say hello at [email protected] and I will answer on the show. Friendly reminder to please review, rate and share with your friends.  

Follow Corielle's hustle:  @corielleworldwide // www.liftuplift.org 

Show Notes:  

4:30: How Corielle became so knowledgeable about building brand equity via a website. And why a website is your business persona.   

6:00: Good vs. bad websites and what that means for your business credibility.  

6:48: What is SEO how to make yourself discoverable and searchable.   

9:20: Tips you can do on your own if you don't have a professional web developer.   

14:36: Stay current and fresh. Act like you're an active business!   

17:55: How we added a new podcast tab to my website.   

20:00: Tools that can serve as an online home for your brand if you can't afford a web developer.  

21:00: How to decide on a domain name.   

23:07: Header tags and why they are important.  

25:00: What to look for in a web developer and how to find the right partner.   

29:50: We heart Corielle!

This week, I sit down with Wade McElroy of Chicago hospitality group, Leisure Activities. He is one of the guys behind this city's most awesome bars Sportsmans Club, Estereo, Young American and more. In our conversation, we learn about how Wade got into the world of hospitality, how he hustles today...and I may confess my love for his bars. Wade shares a path that many of us freelancers have in common - going from corporate job to what we really love and finding a home in this creative community. Together, we dive into what brought him from NYC to Chicago, how he landed his first job in hospitality, why balance matters, value in building a lean strong team and his secret sauce to creating great neighborhood bars. Enjoy listening in on our chat and I hope you leave feeling just as inspired as I did.

I'm baaack! Welcome to The Freelance Season two where we dive right into it. On this episode, I break down how I've built my business centered around client experience and explain as to why it's been such a sustainable business model for me. This episodes breaks down into three parts: how I treat my clients before, during, and after the photo experience, starting with emails and ending with wrap up gifts. You'll get a whole lot of tips and tricks as to how to come across more professional and in control of your business, all while treating your clients like kings and queens. I promise. you, it will keep 'em coming back for more...and more...and more!

5:53 I go into email etiquette and tips for sounding more confident and professional with your clients

16:25 we talk about details and how it can value your own portfolio and in turn your work will be better and your clients will be better

24:40 we go into how I work on the actual wedding/work day 

28:30 I explain why it's important not to be on your phone when you're on the job

32:41 lean into whatever YOUR style is

I am officially wrapping up SEASON 1!! For my final episode of the season, I decided to talk about something that is very real for anyone hoping to start something new or make a pivot in their career; and that is doubt. I talk about the doubt I've had along the way in my career, some pivots I'm going through currently, and getting advice and inspiration from the positivity queen, Ariel Upton. Ariel is the founder of an approach and writing journal called Today I Did It Right. The focus of Ariel's approach is designed to help you prioritize your energy and create and live the life that’s right for you. I left Ariel feeling inspired and a renewed sense of energy. I hope you do too after listening! To learn more about Ariels company, check out her website: https://www.todayididitright.com

Founder, Alyssa Wasko, began making scarves in 2009 to cope with the death of her father Donald. Her friends began asking for them, and soon enough her fellow peers were selling the scarves on campuses across the country. The creative outlet grew into a full-fledged business, and she named it DONNI after her father, who always called her his lucky charm. DONNI scarves & accessories are made in Los Angeles by women who are like family to the brand. In Donald's name, the brand seeks to create pieces with soul: this begins by supporting the women who produce them, and concludes with a donation to a different charity every season. Listen in to learn more about Alyssa's inspiration, her road blocks, and successes along the way. 

Todays episode I am joined with none other than the man who taught me...well...pretty much everything. My dad! He has been a guiding light for me in the early days of my business, and still helps me with decision making today. He comes on to talk about why you need to get rid of credit card debt, saving for your future, and the benefits of putting away a small lump sum each month. 

Today I have Liz Grant, my graphic design artist on and OMG do I love her. She has taken my brand, look and feel to a whole new level and I wanted to have her on since dreaming up this podcast because I know she has so much knowledge to give. You can see more work and hire Liz from her website http://lizdesignsthings.com

In this episode I am touching on five questions that a fellow freelance artist wrote in about. The five questions involve social media, pricing yourself appropriately, when to phase out of friends/family discounts, work-life balance, and marketing your business properly. I get into each of these topics and what has worked for me personally within my own business. I hope you all find this episode insanely helpful and insightful! 

In today's episode I'm joined with Karla Harrington, my trusted accountant! We go over different entity structures, picking the right advisor for your needs and how much it costs, if you really need a formal accounting system or not, what records you need to keep and why, and taxes other than income to be aware of. If you or someone you know is in need of an amazing accountant, feel free to reach out to Karla directly! Her email is [email protected]. Enjoy listening!